With the start of school last week, I’ve been hearing many comments and concerns from parents about swine flu and the measures schools are taking to address the continuing threat. So it was timely that I received information from Medisim, makers of the Temple Touch Thermometer, on how to prepare a “Swine Flu Combat Kit” for under $20.

The Temple Touch Thermometer is quick, easy and non-invasive. In about 6 seconds, you get an accurate temperature without any of the issues of other thermometer types (probe covers, accuracy, invasive models). And if you’ve ever been awake at 3 a.m. with a feverish child, you know that the less time and fuss required, the better!

Swine Flu Combat Kit

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warned that 2009 could be the worst flu season the nation has seen in years, thanks to the infamous Novel H1N1 virus or “swine flu”. Some doctors say that last year’s flu season never really ended with outbreak of the swine flu. Regardless, the CDC expects flu activity to rise again, ahead of the regular flu season, as 55 million students and 7 million staffers head back to the nation’s 130,000 schools.

The “Swine Flu Combat Kit”, which can be assembled for just under $20 dollars, is recommended to avoid spread of the disease. Swine flu may infect half the U.S. population this year, hospitalize 1.8 million patients and lead to as many as 90,000 deaths, more than twice the number killed in a typical seasonal flu, the White House advised this week.

The “Swine Flu Combat Kit” includes:

1. Temple Touch Thermometer – Advised are noninvasive, digital forehead thermometers, like the Temple Touch thermometer available at Wal-Mart for under $10.00. These thermometers do not cross-contaminate dangerous germs like traditional digital stick thermometers.
2. Hand Sanitizer – Pocket size bottles can easily be kept in book bags and lockers, briefcases and desks. Can be purchased at any drug store.
3. Soap & Water – You should keep these items handy at sinks. School children should wash their hands every hour at school.
4. Baby Wipes – Parents and students should use these to wipe down hands, lunchboxes, notebooks and all other school supplies daily.
5. Tissues – Should be used to cover coughs and sneezes.

To keep panic and the spread of the contagious disease at a minimum, many school systems are advising students and businesses are warning employees to stay away for seven days if they exhibit any flu symptoms.Symptoms include:

1. Fever. The number one symptom of any flu is a fever. Although, there are many similarities between the common cold and the flu, the key difference between the two is running a fever. According to the Mayo Clinic, more children miss school over the common cold over any other illness. To avoid a misdiagnosis, you should look out for a fever and then heed warnings to stay at home if a fever is detected.
2. Cough
3. Sore Throat
4. Runny or Stuffy Nose
5. Body Aches
6. Headache
7. Chills
8. Fatigue
9. Diarrhea*
10. Vomiting*
* Only reported in some cases.

While the information above doesn’t take the place of a doctor’s advice when anyone in your family is sick, it’s worth a look and a trip to the store.